Jan. 17, 2026, 10:27 a.m. ET
The Miami Dolphins conducted an interview with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula on Friday.
Shula has quickly become one of the top head coach candidates for vacancies across the league. He also interviewed for the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach jobs on Friday and has reportedly received requests from more teams. It appears almost inevitable Shula is going to be a head coach sooner rather than later.
Shula has been on the Rams staff since 2017 under head coach Sean McVay, and had the opportunity to coach under three different defensive coordinators in Wade Phillips, Brandon Staley, and Raheem Morris, all of whom have also been head coaches in the league.
The surname will always be tied to the storied franchise of the Miami Dolphins thanks to Chris’ grandfather Don Shula, arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. Don Shula was the Dolphins head coach from 1970-1995, leading the franchise to both of its Super Bowl victories, including the legendary 1972 perfect 17-0 season. His 347 total wins are an NFL record.
But Chris Shula has not been handed coaching opportunities simply because of his name. Shula paid his dues in the industry over a 15-year span at both the professional and collegiate levels.
Background
- Current Job: Defensive coordinator, Los Angeles Rams (2024-present)
- Age: 39
- Hometown: Miami, FL
- College: Miami University (Ohio)
Experience
- Defensive coordinator, Los Angeles Rams (2024-present)
- Pass rush coordinator/linebackers coach, Los Angeles Rams (2023)
- Pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach, Los Angeles Rams (2022)
- Linebackers coach, Los Angeles Rams (2021)
- Outside linebackers coach, Los Angeles Rams (2019-2020)
- Assistant linebackers coach, Los Angeles Rams (2017-2018)
- Defensive quality control coach, San Diego Chargers (2015-2016)
- Defensive coordinator, John Carroll Blue Streaks (2014)
- Graduate Assistant, Indiana Hoosiers (2011-2013)
- Assistant linebackers coach, Ball State Cardinals (2010)
Fit with Dolphins
The Dolphins are aiming for a complete culture change, which began with the hire of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. While 2026 will present some roster challenges due to the Dolphins cap situation, establishing a winning culture early will be key to the success of this regime change.
The goal in finding a new head coach not only comes down to schematics, but also a commanding presence who can be a leader of men. This will require a head coach who can earn the respect of the locker room on day one.
Shula’s time with the Rams has been a period of prosperity for the franchise under coach McVay. The team has produced winning records in eight out of the nine seasons Shula has been on the staff. Shula has coached in two Super Bowls for the Rams, including the victory in Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals.
This season Shula has coached a defense that ranked No. 10 in points allowed and No. 5 in takeaways. Most of his defense is made up of mid-late round picks, and some undrafted free agents who the Rams have developed into quality starters with the help of Shula. For example, outside linebacker and 2023 third-round pick Byron Young erupted for 12 sacks in 2025.
Shula showing an ability to get the best out of young players is something the Dolphins should be seeking in a new head coach. The Miami defense has plenty of young, relatively unproven talent, including the franchises last two first-round picks in edge rusher Chop Robinson and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.
They said it…
“I couldn’t think of a better person on the field, a better person off the field, a smarter guy, a guy that was really my right-hand man in coaching, and that’s going way back to when I was a young coach. As much as he got from me, I got from him.” – former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris (via TheRams.com)
Bottom Line
Hiring Shula would be a big move and fits the mold of the direction this franchise is going. The changes at general manager and head coach for the Dolphins are being made in the hopes of establishing a winning culture for a franchise that has not won a playoff game since 2000.
Looking beyond the draw of his last name, Chris Shula brings numerous qualities the Dolphins should be looking for in a head coach. He provides over 15 years of coaching experience, proven ability to get the best out of developing talent, and he knows what a winning culture looks and feels like.